El Binomio de Oro de América begins a new chapter with its return to recording after seven years, a new album, and the celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2026, when it will be honored at the Festival de la Leyenda Vallenata for its impact on the history of vallenato music. Under the direction of Israel Romero and with the addition of Israel David Romero as lead vocalist, the group reaffirms its relevance within romantic vallenato and its connection with new audiences, remaining one of the genre’s most influential projects.
Founded in 1976 by Israel Romero and the late Rafael Orozco, El Binomio de Oro became a benchmark of vallenato in Colombia and across Latin America, with a repertoire that defined the sound of romantic vallenato and expanded its international reach. The legacy of Israel Romero and Rafael Orozco remains essential to the group’s identity, which over time earned the nickname “The University of Vallenato” for launching major figures of the genre such as Jean Carlos Centeno, Jorge Celedón, and Alejandro Palacio. Their recording career was also recognized with a Latin Grammy nomination for the album Grafiti de Amor (2006) in the Best Cumbia/Vallenato Album category. In total, the group has received around five Latin Grammy nominations, most recently in 2020 for the album Por el mundo entero, performed in its entirety by Israel David Romero.
With new music, tours, and its upcoming 50th anniversary, El Binomio de Oro de América bridges the past and present of vallenato: a key group in the evolution of romantic vallenato, the international expansion of the genre, and the training of new generations of artists, keeping its legacy alive in Latin music.
